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John Armstrong Bross
Birth: 2-21-1826
Death: 7-30-1864
Biography
John Armstrong Bross was born in Milford, Pennsylvania, the son of Deacon Moses Bross. He attended Chester Academy in Orange County, New York, and studied law. In 1848, he moved to Chicago with his elder brother and continued to practice law. Bross was appointed a U.S. Marshal during the Pierce Administration. On June 5th, 1856, he married Isabella "Belle" Mason of Sterling, Illinois. Bross helped muster troops for the 75th and 88th Illinois Companies, the latter over which he became Captain of Company A. In 1863, he was recruited and commissioned as Lieut. Col for Company A of the 29th United States Colored Troops. He took command of the "colored" brigade at Camp Casey, VA, in Spring 1864. Bross's troops were called to reinforce General Grant in Petersburg, Virginia in June 1864. Bross was killed leading his troops at Petersburg. He is referenced in a letter written by Willis A. Bogart to William H. Seward, dated May 8, 1864. Bogart, who was with the 29th at Camp Casey, Virginia, directs Seward to send any response to his letter through Col. Bross.
Citations
John Armstrong Bross was born in Milford, Pennsylvania, the son of Deacon Moses Bross. He attended Chester Academy in Orange County, New York, and studied law. In 1848, he moved to Chicago with his elder brother and continued to practice law. Bross was appointed a U.S. Marshal during the Pierce Administration. On June 5th, 1856, he married Isabella "Belle" Mason of Sterling, Illinois. Bross helped muster troops for the 75th and 88th Illinois Companies, the latter over which he became Captain of Company A. In 1863, he was recruited and commissioned as Lieut. Col for Company A of the 29th United States Colored Troops. He took command of the "colored" brigade at Camp Casey, VA, in Spring 1864. Bross's troops were called to reinforce General Grant in Petersburg, Virginia in June 1864. Bross was killed leading his troops at Petersburg. He is referenced in a letter written by Willis A. Bogart to William H. Seward, dated May 8, 1864. Bogart, who was with the 29th at Camp Casey, Virginia, directs Seward to send any response to his letter through Col. Bross.